When the Black Eyed Peas announced their permanent hiatus, we thought it might have had something to do with the fact that certain members were getting too big for their britches. Well, it looks like we were right!

The groups biggest star, Miss. Fergilicious herself, has decided that she’s done with the band, so they’ve found a replacement for her… And we’re a little shocked at who they chose to replace her!

Insiders have told MediaTakeOut that ”The group had been looking for a replacement for some time,” and they’ve finally found someone to fill the void… Ja Rule’s old right hand woman, Ashanti!

The R&B singer is going to join the group on their world tour for nearly a month, and word on the street is that she’s going to start recording a new album with her other 3 new co-members in early 2012.

So why has Fergie left the band? To have sex with her ultra-hot husband! …But seriously.

Taboo, the one in the band who no one is sure what he actually does, has released a statement to The New Times saying, ”We have to respect Ferg. Ferg is our sister. She definitely wants to have a family, and we’re happy for her.”

We’re excited to see what Ashanti can bring to the table!